Ministry of petroleum has proposed a novel solution to overcome the gas shortages of textile units of Faisalabad by allowing them the facility of gas shortage during gas supply days which they could utilise during the load shedding days. An informed source said that the proposal was discussed during a meeting with the textile millers, who were assured that the gas storage facility would be provided to them but they would have to install smart meters so no gas theft could take place.
The millers agreed to the proposal. Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited would be coming up with the details of the plan under which central gas storage would be developed in the city that would provide gas a suitable pressure to the textile units during the load management days. A similar proposal was given by the CNG association to the ministry to fix monthly quota for every CNG stations. However, the ministry rejected the proposal saying it was not workable, the source said. Pakistan is faced with extreme shortage of gas supply which is estimated over 1.1 bcfd during the winter season. Since the power shortages are expected to remain over 5000 MW during the winter season due to canal closure and reduction in hydel output, the industrial units need for gas for their captive power plants.